Naafiri vs Riven MID Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Champion

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Naafiri

VS

Mid

Riven

Naafiri vs Riven

Updated Jun 3, 2026

Overview

Use (Q) poke to chip Riven before committing to all-ins and avoid predictable (W) engages that can be blocked or punished.
Pressure Riven moderately to deny her cooldown advantage and prevent her from freely using mobility for trades.
This is a snowball matchup where you must snowball through verified all-ins and roam pressure rather than passive scaling.

Trading pattern

Use (Q) to apply bleed and poke, then wait for Riven to expend (Q) or (W) cooldowns before committing with (W) and (E).
Avoid engaging with (W) if it can be blocked or interrupted by Riven's stun or knockup.
Commit to all-ins only when (Q) poke has lowered Riven's health or when (R) is active and the target is isolated.

Danger windows

Be cautious when Riven has all basic cooldowns available, especially (Q) and (W), as she can chain a lethal combo.
Avoid committing (W) into Riven's stun or knockup, as it can be easily punished.
Respect Riven's level 6 (R) execute window, especially when you are low from poke or isolated.

Early game

Start by landing (Q) poke early to build a health advantage before Riven can fully engage.
Avoid using (W) until Riven's stun and mobility cooldowns are down to prevent being punished.
Keep the wave in a state that allows you to threaten (W) engages safely without being trapped or easily countered.

Power spikes

At level 6, activate (R) to increase chase and all-in threat; use this window for picks, roams, or defensive resets.
After your first lethality item, pressure waves and trades more confidently while tracking Riven's cooldowns.
Respect Riven's level 6 (R) spike and her ability to chain cooldowns for lethal combos; hold key defensive tools for her commit.

Win conditions

Win by landing consistent (Q) poke to chip Riven's health before committing to all-ins.
Use (R) to enhance chase and burst on isolated or low-health targets after Riven's key cooldowns are down.
Deny Riven cooldown advantages by punishing her after she uses (Q) and (E), and snowball through roams and picks enabled by your pack.